The story is complicated by the house Donna Mills and the children live in. The imposing home, on a large lot backing on Lake Ontario near Hamilton, is valued at about $1.2 million, but has a $600,000 mortgage on it.
The couple split in 2005. A deal was finally brokered after a two-day trial and on May 1, 2008, both parties signed the Minutes of Settlement. Donna would have sole custody and stay in the house with the children while Hans paid child support. Donna would pay Hans $175,000 to buy him out of the matrimonial home.
In subsequent court pleadings, Donna maintains she was rushed and pressured and did not read the documents before she signed them (Playing the victim card). She said she did not understand she was signing away the right to any future spousal support, even if her circumstances changed.
Donna got the million dollar lakefront mansion and full custody of the children with child support, but no spousal support, in exchange for the house, Hans Mills writes. Everyone at the time agreed that my spousal support obligation had been met fully.
He notes the deal also provided Donna with a built-in revenue stream because the house contained a separate apartment that was rented for nearly $2,000 a month.
